From Seaweeds to Cosmeceutics: A Multidisciplinar Approach

Giorgio Grillo, Silvia Tabasso, Roberto Solarino, Giancarlo Cravotto, Clarissa Toson, Elena Ghedini, Federica Menegazzo and Michela Signoretto
Additional contact information
Giorgio Grillo: Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
Silvia Tabasso: Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
Roberto Solarino: Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
Giancarlo Cravotto: Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
Clarissa Toson: CATMAT Lab, Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University Venice and INSTM Consortium RU Ve, 30170 Venice, Italy
Elena Ghedini: CATMAT Lab, Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University Venice and INSTM Consortium RU Ve, 30170 Venice, Italy
Federica Menegazzo: CATMAT Lab, Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University Venice and INSTM Consortium RU Ve, 30170 Venice, Italy
Michela Signoretto: CATMAT Lab, Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University Venice and INSTM Consortium RU Ve, 30170 Venice, Italy

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 23, 1-13

Abstract: Macroalgae are widespread on the coasts of all the globe and lead to a negative ecological impact, requiring expensive remediations. Therefore, the valorization of invasive seaweed as a renewable source of bioactive products could represent a valid solution. In this context, three algal biomasses, belonging to brown, green, and red families ( Sargassum muticum , Ulva lactuca , Solieria filiformis ), collected in the venetian Laguna, were investigated as a source of active compounds for the formulation of cosmeceutics. Microwave (MW) and ultrasound (US) were applied to enhance the algae extraction by means of a hydroalcoholic solution. According to total phenolic content (TPC) evaluation, MW demonstrated the best performing outcomes, resulting in 19.77, 22.02, and 16.94 mg GAE /g Extr (30 min at 90 °C) for brown, green, and red algae, respectively. Antioxidant activity was tested as well, showing comparable trends (49.19, 26.24, and 3.02 mmol Trolox eq./g Extr for brown, green, and red algae, respectively). Due to natural algae predisposition to absorb contaminants, the metal content analysis helped to screen the applicability of these extracts, identifying Ulva lactuca as the most suitable source of antioxidants for cosmetic formulations. This MW extract was then adopted to formulate two different preparations, namely a gel and an emulsion. Thermal and mechanical tests confirmed the stability of each formulation, together with neutral organoleptic characteristics. Finally, the actives release was investigated by means of a tape stripping essay, showing an efficient controlled release for gel formulation, even after 7 h of test. The produced cosmeceutics merged non-conventional extraction technologies with formulation expertise, offering a valuable alternative to solve the macroalgae disposal issue.

Keywords: macroalgae; microwaves; dermo-cosmetic formulation; polyphenols; antioxidant activity; controlled release (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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